Ambassador Latha Reddy represents one of India's most distinguished diplomatic voices and strategic security experts, combining a stellar 36-year career in international relations with groundbreaking expertise in cybersecurity and global governance.
Early Life and Educational Foundation (1967-1973)
Ambassador Reddy's journey began with a strong academic foundation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature with first-class honors from the University of Madras, and continued her academic excellence at the University of Bangalore, where she completed her Master of Arts in English Language and Literature, also with first-class distinction. This robust foundation in literature and language would prove instrumental in her diplomatic career, providing the analytical and communication skills essential for international negotiations and multilateral diplomacy.
Distinguished Diplomatic Career (1975-2011)
Early Diplomatic Postings
Ambassador Reddy entered the prestigious Indian Foreign Service in 1975, embarking on what would become one of India's most distinguished diplomatic careers spanning 36 years. Her early postings took her across continents, serving in diverse diplomatic missions including Lisbon, Washington D.C., Kathmandu, Brasilia, Vienna, and Bangkok. These varied assignments provided her with comprehensive exposure to different regional dynamics, from European politics to South American relations, and from Himalayan geopolitics to Southeast Asian affairs.
Consul General in Durban (1994-1997)
One of the most significant chapters of her diplomatic career was her posting as Consul General in Durban, South Africa. This assignment occurred during a pivotal period in South African history, as the country transitioned from apartheid to democracy. Ambassador Reddy's work in Durban was significant, given India's historical connections to South Africa through Mahatma Gandhi's early activism and the broader anti-apartheid movement. Her role in South Africa extended beyond routine diplomatic duties. She was instrumental in re-establishing India's diplomatic presence in the country after four decades of closure due to India's principled stance against apartheid. Working closely with the African National Congress leadership, including Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, she helped rebuild bilateral relations between the two nations, a testament to her dedication and commitment. One of the most symbolic moments of Ambassador Reddy's career was the establishment of India's new consulate office in Durban's Old Station Building. This location, where Mahatma Gandhi began his historic journey to Pietermaritzburg, holds significant cultural and historical importance. On Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 1994, she inaugurated the consulate, accompanied by a statue of Gandhi and a bronze plaque commemorating this historic site, with then-Vice President Thabo Mbeki as the chief guest.
Ambassadorial Appointments
Ambassador to Portugal (2004-2006)
Ambassador Reddy's first ambassadorial appointment was to Portugal from 2004 to 2006. This posting allowed her to deepen India's engagement with European Union dynamics and strengthen bilateral relations with a key European partner. Portugal's historical maritime connections with India, combined with its role within the EU framework, provided essential opportunities for expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Ambassador to Thailand (2007-2009)
Her appointment as Ambassador to Thailand from 2007 to 2009 came during a period of significant regional transformation in Southeast Asia. Thailand's strategic location and its role as a founding member of ASEAN made this posting crucial for India's evolving "Look East" policy, which later became the "Act East" policy. Her work in Bangkok contributed to deepening India's engagement with ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific strategic framework.
Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (2010-2011)
The pinnacle of her diplomatic career in the foreign service came with her appointment as Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi from 2010 to 2011. In this crucial position, she held overall charge of India's bilateral and regional relations with Asia, overseeing one of the most dynamic and strategically important regions for Indian foreign policy. Her responsibilities included managing relationships with China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN countries, and other key Asian partners during a period of significant geopolitical realignment. This role positioned her at the center of India's strategic pivot toward Asia, coinciding with the Obama administration's "Pivot to Asia" and China's rising assertiveness in the region. Her expertise in Asian affairs and deep understanding of regional dynamics made her an invaluable asset in shaping India's approach to complex multilateral negotiations and bilateral relationships.
National Security (2011-2013)
Deputy National Security Advisor
Following her distinguished career in the foreign service, Ambassador Reddy was appointed as India's Deputy National Security Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office from 2011 to 2013. This appointment represented a natural progression from diplomatic service to the highest levels of national security decision-making. In this critical role, she was responsible for cybersecurity and other vital internal and external security issues, marking the beginning of her specialization in one of the most essential domains of 21st-century security. Her tenure as Deputy NSA coincided with India's growing recognition of cyber threats and the need for comprehensive cybersecurity policies. She was instrumental in developing India's early frameworks for cyber governance and establishing protocols for international cooperation on cybersecurity issues. This experience would later prove invaluable in her post-retirement career as a global cybersecurity expert.
Global Leadership
Cybersecurity Expertise and Global Commissions
Following her retirement from government service in 2013, Ambassador Reddy established herself as one of the world's leading voices on cybersecurity and internet governance. Her expertise spans cybersecurity policy, international cyber cooperation, and internet governance frameworks.
Global Commission on Internet Governance (2014-2016)
Ambassador Reddy served as a Commissioner on the Global Commission on Internet Governance from 2014 to 2016. This role positioned her at the forefront of global discussions about internet governance, digital rights, and the future of cyberspace. The commission's work significantly contributed to shaping the international understanding of how the internet should be governed and regulated.
Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (2016-2019)
Since 2017, Ambassador Reddy has served as Co-Chairman of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace, alongside Michael Chertoff. This commission comprises 26 prominent commissioners representing diverse geographic regions and stakeholder communities, including representatives from government, industry, technical fields, and civil society. The commission's mandate focuses on promoting mutual awareness and understanding among various cyberspace communities working on international cybersecurity issues. The commission has been instrumental in developing diplomatic norms for governmental behavior in cyberspace, producing eight norms, including the primary diplomatic norm for which it was chartered. Under her co-leadership, the commission has bridged critical dialogues between international security communities and newer cyberspace stakeholders, contributing to global policy coherence on cybersecurity.